BILL LECKIE

Earlier this month, Di Biagio was promoted from Italy’s U21 squad to take over the senior side for the March friendlies. He could stay on through friendlies against France and the Netherlands in June.

Roberto Mancini, Carlo Ancelotti and Claudio Ranieri are among the coaches being considered for the full-time Italy job as well as Di Biagio, depending on the performances in March.

Italy plays Argentina in Manchester, England, on March 23, then faces England four days later in London.

Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon reduced to tears as Sweden beat them to the World Cup… but he’s by no means the first sobbing star

If Buffon does return to the squad, he might stay on until a possible retirement match on June 4 in the friendly against the Netherlands. The game has been slated for Allianz Stadium in Turin, the home of his club, Juventus.

It remains unclear if Buffon will play another season with Juventus.

Gianluigi Donnarumma, AC Milan’s 19-year-old starter, is being groomed to take over for Buffon as Italy’s first choice goalkeeper.